Agenda item

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy

Meeting of South Somerset District Council, Thursday 6th November 2014 7.30 pm (Item 57.)

Decision:

RESOLVED:	That Council:-
	1.	Approved the introduction and implementation of the South Somerset Taxi Licensing Policy and Guidance with effect from 1^st April 2015, subject to recommendation 2 as set out below.
	2.	Agreed that all those vehicles currently licensed as a Hackney carriage on the 1^st April 2015 that do not comply with the new policy requirements, be permitted to continue to be licensed as a Hackney carriage until 31^st March 2018.
	3.	Agreed that all new vehicle applications be restricted to purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s) until 20% of the total hackney carriage fleet is wheelchair accessible. A review of this element of the policy will be conducted in a years time or before if this target (20%) is achieved before this date to check whether the policy has achieved the aim of ensuring better access to taxis for disabled passengers.
	4.	Agreed that Officers report back to Licensing Committee 12 months after the introduction of the South Somerset Taxi Licensing Policy and Guidance to update Members as to its progress.

(Voting: 36 in favour, 8 against, 2 abstentions)

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Regulatory and Democratic Services introduced the item and addressed the issues raised by members of the public during public question time. He asked that Members consider only the Policy relating to the vehicles, the drivers and the operational requirements and not the physical location of taxi ranks or the raising or lowering of kerbs.

During a lengthy discussion, varying views were expressed. Some Members felt that whilst the consultation process appeared to be robust, the proposal that all new vehicle applications be restricted to purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s) until 50% of the total hackney carriage fleet were wheelchair accessible was particularly onerous. It was also suggested that there should be a transition period for single owner/operator taxi drivers.

It was proposed and seconded that the percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles be reduced to 20% (rather than the proposed 50%) of the total hackney carriage fleet, and, that a review of this element of the policy be conducted in a years time or before if the target (20%) was achieved to check whether the policy had achieved the aim.

It was also agreed to look at the possibility of assisting single operator drivers with loans to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles. The Leader of Council confirmed that any dispensation from the scheme for single owner/operator drivers could be dealt with through the Licensing Sub Committee process.

At the conclusion of the debate, the majority of Members were content to agree the introduction and implementation of the South Somerset Taxi Licensing Policy and Guidance (as amended) with effect from 1^st April 2015.

RESOLVED:	That Council:-
	1.	approved the introduction and implementation of the South Somerset Taxi Licensing Policy and Guidance (as amended) with effect from 1^st April 2015, subject to recommendation 2 as set out below.
	2.	agreed that all those vehicles currently licensed as a Hackney carriage on the 1^st April 2015 that do not comply with the new policy requirements, be permitted to continue to be licensed as a Hackney carriage until 31^st March 2018.
	3.	agreed that all new vehicle applications be restricted to purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s) until 20% of the total hackney carriage fleet is wheelchair accessible. A review of this element of the policy will be conducted in a years time or before if this target (20%) is achieved to check whether the policy has achieved the aim of ensuring better access to taxis for disabled passengers.
	4.	agreed that Officers report back to Licensing Committee 12 months after the introduction of the South Somerset Taxi Licensing Policy and Guidance to update Members as to its progress.

(Voting: 36 in favour, 8 against, 2 abstentions)

Supporting documents:

Agenda item

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy

Council and Democracy